Out and About in Reading - activities hosted by local churches
Central Reading
Lifespring Church, 143 – 145 Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7UY www.lifespringchurch.org.uk
Cafe 12 (Priced menu)
Tuesdays to Fridays, 10am to 2pm
Welcoming community café open to all. Call 07858 914938 for more details.
Over 60s Lunch (£4). Thursday at 12.15pm cost is £4. If possible please can you book your lunch in advance by calling 07858 914938.
Book Club (Free) Friday at 10am. A friendly group which meets over coffee once a month to discuss a book they have read. No booking required. See @pavilionbookclub on Facebook for more details.
Coffee on the Steps. Saturdays, 10am to 2pm. Free tea, coffee, and cake to take away.
The Oasis (part of Carey Baptist Church) The Oasis (21 Baker Street, Reading, RG1 7XT) and The Carey Centre (Anstey Road, Reading, RG1 7JS)
www.careybaptistchurch.org.uk
Lunch time meetings are held at 12.30pm at the Carey Centre on two Wednesdays every month where people can enjoy a cooked two course lunch often with quizzes and a variety of entertainment. at The Carey Centre. Over 60? Come along and enjoy a cooked meal, friendship and an inspiring talk from the Bible. Booking required. Call 0118 9580058 or email office@careybaptistchurch.org.uk to ensure your place.
Friday Lunches (Priced menu). Friday at 11.30am to 1:30pm at The Oasis (21 Baker Street, Reading, RG1 7XT). A low-cost lunch open to all.
Community Night (Free). Fridays, 7pm to 10pm at The Oasis. Open to all.
Insomnia Café (inside Primark) managed by Argyle Community Church
iCaf (Free) 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 4.30pm to 6pm at The Oasis, Baker Street RG1 7XT
A relaxed café environment to play games and practise English with other internationals, make new friends and build relationships. Contact via their Facebook page or email internationals@argylecommunity.church for more details.
Greyfriars—The Atrium. Greyfriars Church, Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1EH
www.greyfriars.org.uk
The Atrium is open Monday – Saturday 9am – 4pm
Men’s Breakfasts
Great food, good company, and meaningful conversation. Open to men of all ages. Make sure to get it in your diary and book your place – we’d love to see you there!
There are occasional informal Sunday afternoons in the Atrium (part of Greyfriars Church) at 2pm to 3pm. Please check their website for details.
Abbey Renew Well-being Café
www.abbeybaptistchurch.org.uk
Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BE
A quiet shared space where it’s ok to not be ok. Every Wednesday from 10.30am to 12noon
Providence Chapel, 103 Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7UD
www.pchapel.co.uk
Every Monday. Drop-in – 5pm to 7pm
We open the doors to anyone who would like a hot meal or just a friendly chat.
For the vision impaired: Berkshire Vision
Berkshire vision run a full calendar of events please check their website for information.
West Reading
St Matthews Church, Southcote, 205 Southcote Lane, Reading, RG30 3AX
www.st-matts.org.uk
The Warm Hub is open every Friday after school, providing a hot, homemade meal to families and individuals from Southcote. While the children engage in crafts and games, parents can connect, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. As we prepare and share meals together, we have noticed a growing interest in learning how to cook nutritious, budget-friendly meals. In response, we’ve begun teaching families new recipes, at our cookery school and many now help prepare and serve the meals each week, creating a true sense of ownership and belonging.
Our community is diverse, including individuals who are employed, unemployed, and many who face challenges with mental health. What unites them all is a shared need for connection and support, and the Warm Hub offers exactly that. The sense of togetherness is so strong that families have asked us to extend our services into the school holidays, a request we are excited to fulfill. This winter winter, we will, once again, be open on a Friday from 3-6.30 pm, continuing to provide home-cooked meals, desserts, and plenty of free activities for the children.
Tilehurst Methodist Church, 26 School Road, Tilehurst, Reading, RG31 5AN
www.tilehurstmethodist.org.uk
Feel Good Friday – Looking for friendship or company? Need a break or to put your feet up with a newspaper? Play a game or chatter away… Feel Good Friday offers a space for you to come and meet with others over refreshments in a warm friendly atmosphere. Anybody and everybody are welcome! Feel Good Friday will be open every Friday from 10am until 12 noon.
Contact Helen on 0118 942 7128 or email (minister@tilehurstmethodist.org.uk) for more details.
Norcot Mission, Brockley Close, Reading RG30 4YP
www.norcot.org
Norcot Mission’s Oasis Café runs alongside the Norcot Pantry. Friday at 10pm to 1pm. Free tea, coffee, chat, table-tennis and play area (parents must be present).
Café Siena at St Catherine’s, Wittenham Avenue, Tilehurst, RG31 5LN
www.stcatherines-tilehurst.org.uk
Café Siena current opening times are Thursdays: We are open Thursdays from 10am to 2pm.
We are open Fridays from 10am to 2pm. Why not eat with us and then stay for Friday Friends – which goes on to 4pm.
St Michael’s Church, New Lane Hill, Tilehurst, RG30 4JX
www.stmichaeltilehurst.org.uk
Wednesday lunches on most Wednesdays (except during Lent) we hold a lunch in the Morlais Room from 12.30pm. This is a chance to socialise with friends, fellow church members and members of the community. Two courses plus tea and coffee are on offer for only £5.
If you would like to book your place, please contact Peter Ratcliffe, either directly or via the Parish Office. Please do book in advance as the event is very popular.
All Nations Christian Centre, 1 Berkley Avenue, Reading, RG1 6JE
www.allnationselim.org
Warm welcome every Tuesday from 12 noon to 4,30pm.
South Reading
Reading Family Church, 448a Basingstoke Road, Reading, RG2 0RX
www.readingfamilychurch.org.uk
Feel Good Friday Group, 2nd and 4th Fridays, 11.30am to 1pm at the offices of Reading Family Church. For those who would like to build friendship over a light lunch provided). Contact churchoffice@readingfamilychurch.org.uk
Winter Warming Wednesday Drop in session – Whitley Community Café, 252 Northumberland Ave, Reading, RG2 7QA
Wednesday 12pm to 2.30pm – unlimited tea and coffee (£1), free soup, board games and chat.
Tyndale Baptist Church 2-4 Cressingham Road, Reading, RG2 7JE
www.tyndalebaptistchurch.org.uk
Tuesday 12.30pm – Senior’s lunch (suggested donation of £5)
Friday Coffee Morning from 10am to 11.30am. Just as the title says. Coffee and possibly tea and biscuits or cake. Join us to see what is on offer at very reasonable prices.
2nd Saturday of Month – Brunch 11.30am – 12.30pm
Join us in our foyer for tea or coffee before going in for our special Brunch – or Full Breakfast. egg, bacon, beans etc. with toast £2 per person
East Reading
Redlands Parish Church, St Luke’s Church, Erleigh Road, Reading, RG1 5LH
www.redlandsparish.org.uk
Monthly Coffee Mornings on the 1st Saturday of the month at 11am, please do come along to enjoy refreshments and a chat. The Community Garden is a wonderful resource and everyone is welcome to join in on Thursday mornings and Saturday afternoons during the gardening season.
Wycliffe Baptist Church, 233 Kings Rd, Reading, RG1 4LS
www.wycliffe.church
Cooking Club is a closed session to those who have booked. We teach independent living skills as well as create friendships. Mondays 9.30am to 2pm, Wednesdays 9.30am to 1.30pm
Community Café. We serve Barista coffee on Tuesday from 10am to 2pm and Wednesday 6pm – 9pm. Costs £1.50 for a hot drink. Please let us know ahead of time if you would like to come along. We also offer baked potato lunch on Tuesdays at 12 noon during term time, and a hot meal on Wednesday evenings. Donations taken for the cost of a meal.
Community Café and Crafty Corner – We make a number of different things. Prices may vary depending on the course. Wednesday at 6.30pm to 9pm. £5.
Seniors Thursdays. Thursday at 10am to 12.30pm. Join us for coffee, chat and some fun every Thursday. Quiz, games, craft and fellowship, topical speaker and Bible study. Followed by an optional hot lunch, served at 12.45pm. Cost: £4 for lunch. Please let us know if you are coming so that we know how many people to cater for. Mobile: 07765600372 Email: office@coffeeandcraft.org.uk
Stretch and Strength (Thursday) – A gentle stretch and strength fitness class suitable for all ages. Led by a qualified instructor.
Thursdays 10.00am to 12:30pmpm in the Wycliffe room. £3.
Park United Reformed Church, Palmer Park Avenue, Reading, RG6 1DN
www.parkurc.org.uk
Not a church activity but the Reading Lunchtime Choir meet here on Wednesdays from 12 noon until 1.30pm. For more details contact Pat Taylor on 07729 22260, email admin@readinglunchtimechoir.org.uk or visit www.readinglunchtimechoir.org.uk
North Reading
Caversham Baptist Church, South Street, Caversham, Reading, RG4 8HY
www.cavershambaptistchurch.org.uk
Friday from 10.00am to 1.30pm warm welcome space with hot and cold refreshments, and the opportunity, if you would like, to take part in a short focused quiet space.
We partner with the Co-Op Foodshare scheme. Subject to availability, there is food available to take away, free of charge. Bring a bag and help yourself.
St Barnabus Church, St Barnabus Road, Emmer Green, Reading, RG4 8RA
www.saintbarnabus.org.uk
Craft circle – every Tuesday morning from 9.30am.
Bereavement café – first Friday of every month from 2pm to 3.30pm.
Living with loss – third Friday of every month from 2pm to 3.30pm.
Friday friendship – second and fourth Friday of every month 2pm to 3:30pm, including an opportunity to join in with board games or quizzes. If you have any questions, please call Mary Cameron on 0118 972 2942.
Grace Church Caversham, 119 Peppard Road, Caversham, RG4 8TR
www.gracechurchcaversham.org.uk
Light on the Hill, Wellbeing Café, Wednesday 7.30pm to 9pm. For adults over 18 years old. Enjoy light refreshments, crafts and hobbies.
Pop In Café – Monday 2.30pm to 4pm, there is a different activity each week
Knit & Knatter – Tuesday 2pm to 4pm.
St Andrews, Albert Road, Caversham, RG4 7PL
www.standrewscaversham.org
The Fisherman café is a café open on Thursday afternoons 2.30pm to 5.30pm in the small church hall.
Further afield
Brookside Church, Brookside close, Earley, RG6 7HG
Open Door, Wednesday afternoon 2-4pm a group for anyone over 60yrs for a warm welcome, cake, a cuppa and chat.
Warm Welcome Space, Friday afternoon 3.30-6pm open for all ages.
Food, drinks, fun, table tennis, board games. Meet other families, toys and games for children after school. There is also a quiet space for those who just want to come and read or be still.
Trinity Church (Earley), Chalfont Close, Earley, Reading RG6 5HZ
www.trinityearley.co.uk
Re:fresh Wellbeing Café. Thursdays, 2pm to 4pm
If you feel lonely and want some company, come along for a drink and chat, to help make a puzzle or play a game, with children’s toys for any little ones. There is a chance to talk to someone if something is bothering you, or you can just sit quietly by yourself. A friendly, relaxed place for anyone to come.
Organised with Torch Earley, there is also a Re:Fresh Wellbeing cafe at St Nicholas church.
Springwater Peppard Congregational Church, Blounts Court Road, Peppard Common, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5EU
www.springwaterchurch.org.uk
Compassionate Loaf Monday mornings 10am to 1pm
Parent, Guardian, Toddler meet up Wednesday morning 10am to 12pm
Wellbeing exercise class Thursday afternoon (call for details).
Useful links
To find out what churches in the Torch hub are offering click here
For information about other activities, visit Reading Voluntary Action’s website
To access the Reading Services Guide, click here.
We make every effort to ensure the information provided here is up to date but we recommend you contact the venue before-hand.